Two important agreements were signed between Bangladesh and Germany in the meeting room of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Tuesday for the purpose of Sundarbans management and environmental protection. The secretary of the ministry. Farhina Ahmed and Martina Burkard, Acting Country Director of Deutsche Gesellschaft for Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Bangladesh, signed two agreements aimed at sustainable management of the Sundarbans and Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Swatch No Ground.
The Environment Secretary said the Sundarban Mangroves and Marine Protected Area Swatch of No Ground in Bangladesh (SONG) project will be implemented through the joint efforts of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MoFL).
He said the SONG project aims to strengthen marine conservation in Bangladesh through collaboration and capacity building among responsible authorities and stakeholders, including fishermen, women and youth from coastal communities adjacent to the MPA. Key objectives include enhancing planning and monitoring capacity, scientific monitoring, strengthening knowledge-based decision-making through digital tools and increasing awareness for marine protection among coastal populations and active participation in marine conservation.
Dr. Farhina said, “Strengthening regional cooperation and funding for sustainable management of Sundarbans, and implementation of the Restoring Coastal Ecosystem in the Bay of Bengal (Sunder-Bay) project from March 2024 to February 2027 will initiate efforts between Bangladesh and India to conserve the Sundarbans.
The Environment Secretary said the Sundar-Bay project aims to improve public-private coordination between the two countries, help conserve the Sundarbans and provide ecosystem services to local communities, especially women and marginalized groups. The project will build institutional capacity, promote joint training programs and support local communities through sustainable income-generating activities and environmental education.
Both projects will contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Life Below Water (SDG 14) and Life on Land (SDG 15) with an emphasis on protecting biodiversity and natural resources. These initiatives reflect Bangladesh and Germany’s commitment to sustainable development and protection of important ecosystems in the region. The collaborative efforts are expected to deliver significant environmental, social and economic benefits, ensuring the preservation of the Sundarbans and Swatches of No Ground for future generations.
Dr. Stefan Alfred Groenewald, Chief Advisor, SONG GIZ Bangladesh and Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests, Forest Department signed the agreement on behalf of their organizations. Additional Secretary (Development) Md. Mosharraf Hossain, Additional Secretary (Paduni) Tapan Kumar Biswas and senior officials of the Ministry and GIZ were present in the ceremony.
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